Becky Ullom leads her first NYC as denomination’s youth director.

Her first National Youth Conference as director of Youth and Young Adult Ministry was winding down on Tuesday when she was interviewed in Fort Collins, Colo.--and Becky Ullom felt things were going well.

"It’s so wonderful to see the faces of people who’ve been just a picture in the book, and to have a strong connection with so many," she said. "We’ve all come to help youth to build community with each other and the church."

As she learns the ropes, Ullom feels that many of the skills essential in her former position in the office of Brethren Identity has helped. "The importance of community, of fellowship, how we become the hands and feet of Christ in the world, these are what we share in NYC."

There is tremendous energy for the youth conference, but as people transition from youth to young adults, Ullom said, there are obvious distractions. Young adults, like youth, need a sense of belonging. That’s why she plans to work hard to help them stay connected to the church.

"We need the kind of feedback that comes from being together to help relationships grow deeper. Our programs keep us together to share pain and joy, things we can’t do on cyberspace."

-- Frank Ramirez, pastor of Everett (Pa.) Church of the Brethren, served as a volunteer writer on the NYC News Team.

Source: 7/23/2010 Newsline